A mother's determination: Elephant rescues baby trapped in mud

These photographs tell a heartwarming story of maternal determination and show that moms of different species may not be so different after all!

We were amazed by these pictures from Rex USA, depicting a mother elephant saving her little one from a perilous predicament. See the story unfold below, as captured by the camera of photographer Marina Cano.

Marina Cano / Solent News via Rex USA

An elephant and her month-old calf were marching with their family herd in Cabarceno Wildlife Park in Cantabria, Spain, when they came across a watering hole that the whole herd had to cross.

Marina Cano / Solent News via Rex USA

"I saw the older baby elephant and the mother cross the watering hole with no problems. But the younger one started to slither because of the mud," Cano told Rex USA. The male baby elephant was unable to climb up the slippery bank and started to slide down. That's when mom sprang into action.

Marina Cano / Solent News via Rex USA

Cano said it was amazing to see the mother elephant crouch in the mud and pick her baby up with her trunk.

Marina Cano / Solent News via Rex USA

The baby's mom hoisted him up the side as he struggled to climb. According to Cano, once the baby was safe, the herd paused for a while before continuing on their way.

Marina Cano / Solent News via Rex USA

"It was magical to see what seemed like human behavior — a mother helping her baby," Cano said. "It was breathtaking and I felt honored."